3 approves T-Mobile and Orange merger

3 has approved the Orange and T-Mobile merger but has called on competition authorities to reduce number porting times and slash termination rates to zero.

The company’s CEO, Kevin Russell, told the Financial Times that the authorities should approve the merger, but should also make changes to the regulatory framework for the industry that would allow 3 to cut prices for its customers.

Russell wants to increase the network’s market share by revenue from 9% to 15-18% in the next five years.

He told the Financial Times that consolidation from five to four network operators should not mean higher prices for consumers.

Competition authorities would be expected to consider remedies to strengthen 3 if they give clearance to the Orange and T-Mobile merger.

Russell also denied there had been discussions with O2 or Vodafone over the prospect of 3 being bought by one of its rivals.